JetSynthesys Gaming CEO: Anuj Tandon Tandon Praises President Droupadi Murmu, Talks About GEPL 2nd Edition. Read Complete Interview

In an interview with Anuj Tandon, CEO of Gaming at JetSynthesis, he talked about his strategy and plans for 2024, the impact of AI on the gaming industry, government regulations, GEPL and many more. 

Q. India’s gaming industry is poised for a phenomenal 2024. What is your strategy for growth this year?

As we step into 2024, JetSynthesys is focused on continuing our legacy of producing world-class video games. This includes expanding our popular new gaming IPs such as Real Cricket 2024 and Sachin Saga Pro Cricket that launched in 2023, ensuring we deliver high-quality entertainment to our players. Nautilus with Real Cricket is all set to retain the #1 spot in the sports gaming scene in India in 2024 by bringing something brand new for its community and we are excited about it. 

We are open to investment in young AI & gaming start-ups at the incubation stage with our incubation partners BRINCS. Furthermore, with the launch of Jetapult in 2022, we've set a foundation for enhancing the video gaming ecosystem by encompassing game studios globally, with a unique invest and operate model and you will be hearing some big announcements on the same from that team in the coming months. 

As pioneers of esports in India, recognizing the potential early on, our strategy is to further develop this sector. With esports viewership expected to skyrocket from 9 million in FY19 to 85 million by FY25, we are bringing the second season of the Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL) in 2024. This move not only solidifies our position in the esports landscape but also responds to the growing audience demand for competitive and high-stakes gaming events. There are some big moves Skyesports is going to make in 2024 that will position it as one of the top tournament organizers not just in India but all emerging markets.

Our partnership with Digital Hearts Holding (DHH) & its investment in our global business in Jetsynthesys Japan in 2023 is a key step towards creating top-tier global games, combining DHH's strong presence in Japan with our expertise in Western markets. This strategy marks our drive for innovation and expansion, integral to our 2024 vision, which includes delivering distinct gaming experiences, reinforcing our esports leadership, and nurturing global collaborations to foster continuous growth and innovation in the gaming sector

Q. Esports has gained a lot of mainstream recognition. What is JetSynthesys planning to do in this domain to further propel growth?

According to the "India Games Market Report 2023" report by Niko Partners, India retained its title as the fastest-growing video games market in Asia with the total gamers in India forecasted to have surged a remarkable 343 per cent in the 10 years between 2017 and 2027, climbing to 641.2 million in 2027. At JetSynthesys, our goal is to further elevate the profile of eSports, which has already gained significant mainstream recognition. This year, our key focus remains on the Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL), which last season was a resounding success, distinguished by having the largest esports prize pool for a tournament in India. In addition, akin to last year, we're adapting our marketing strategies to include broadcasts on OTT and TV platforms, reaching beyond traditional gaming audiences and drawing more business, viewership, and brand interest.

As stated earlier as pioneers of this industry in India as operators and investors we are excited to add new talent and teams to the growing Jetsynthesys esports ecosystem in 2024.

Q. Emerging technologies and AI are an integral part of the online gaming realm. Your take on how effective AI and other emerging technologies prove to be in 2024? 

I believe that the integration of AI is not merely a trend but a strategic imperative for the continued evolution and enhancement of the gaming experience across the globe. There is surely immense potential and effectiveness in leveraging AI and other emerging technologies not just in gaming but across industries. In 2024, the role of emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), in the online gaming industry is poised to be transformative. AI can revolutionize game development and design. Game development cycles and supply chains of various art and other assets are being disrupted with various AI tools and will continue to do so. Many game engines with co-pilot programs will make it easier for smaller developers to build games more easily and that is
always exciting. 

Within this evolving landscape, our focus at JetSynthesys is to harness these advancements effectively. We are investing in AI-driven game development programmes to improve gameplay and provide a more immersive and interactive experience. With the advent of 5G, AR, and VR technologies, were committed to leading the charge in creating a technologically advanced and engaging gaming ecosystem.

Q. GEPL was one of your biggest IPs in the eSports domain last year. What are your plans with this for the next season?

JetSynthesys is gearing up for an even more ambitious second edition of the Global e-Cricketpremier League (GEPL) in 2024. By transitioning to a franchise model, GEPL 2024 is set to revolutionize e-cricket with a more engaging and competitive structure. Building on Real Cricket's impressive 25 crore downloads and 1.5 crore monthly plays, the league aims to attract a larger pool of the country’s top esports athletes and expand its fanbase. With plans for auctions and renowned team owners, GEPL 2024 is poised to offer an even more closely contested and captivating tournament experience. With a previous prize pool of INR 2.51 crore and significant viewership on platforms like Jio Cinema and Sports18, GEPL is not just a tournament but a movement, fostering an employment ecosystem and showcasing Indian innovation on the world stage. As we continue to make cricket esports a mainstream phenomenon, GEPL 2024 stands as a symbol of India's passion and prowess in digital sports, poised to captivate audiences worldwide.

Q. Your take on the government regulations surrounding the online gaming sector and the way forward.

The year 2023 began positively with Hon’ble President Droupadi Murmu recognizing and including e-sports in multi-sport events, highlighting the government's recognition of the sector's potential. India's achievements in international eSports competitions, like the Asian Games 2022, demonstrate the country's growing prominence and pave the way for further success. With the industry projected to reach $7.5 billion by FY28, these government initiatives provide a supportive backdrop for growth. Furthermore, proactive steps by states and educational institutions, such as establishing eSports academies and incorporating eSports into curriculums, contribute to a robust ecosystem for gaming. I believe, the government’s support, combined with the industry's innovation, sets a positive outlook for the future of online gaming in India, promising continued growth and mainstream acceptance.

As a dynamic industry, last year saw some fan favourite games returning like BGMI from KRAFTON which has also helped re-energize the esports ecosystem – this momentum will continue this year in 2024.

 

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